Neil LaBute has been talking to the American media about a new project joining him with rock icon Elvis Costello. The two talents plan to collaborate on a new musical for which LaBute will write the book and Costello will compose the music, but no further information has been released.

American playwright LaBute premiered his most recent play The Shape of Things at London's Almeida Theatre over the summer, and the critically acclaimed production has recently transferred to New York. LaBute's other plays include bash, Filthy Talk for Troubled Times, Lepers, Sangunarians and Sycophants, Rounder, and Ravages. His films include "In The Company of Men" - for which he received the New York Critics' Circle Best First Feature Award and the Filmmakers' Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival - "Your Friends and Neighbors," and "Nurse Betty." Neil LaBute's most recent film, "Possession" will be released later this year.

London-born Elvis Costello is acclaimed for his adventurous style and lyrically sharp music. From the late 70's, he was part of the rock group called The Attractions, but in 1986 he abruptly left the band to pursue a solo career. His many albums include "My Aim Is True", which was voted "Album of the Year" in Rolling Stone's annual poll in 1978, "Blood and Chocolate," "Armed Forces," "Imperial Bedroom," "Get Happy," "Mighty Like A Rose," and "All This Useless Beauty."

The project is being aimed for Broadway, but with LaBute's strong attachment to London theatre, it would not be surprising if the LaBute/Costello musical pops up in the West End sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, Elvis Costello will be handing over the Artist of the Year Award at the 25th Gramophone Awards at the Barbican tonight. The Awards were established to recognize the best classical music recordings each year.